Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter – May 2021
May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
From helping build the first transcontinental railroad to serving the country in times of war, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed significantly to the success of the United States. Asian-Pacific American Heritage month celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, recognizing the deep influence these cultures have had in shaping our country over generations.
Did you know?
- The first documented Asians in the Americas was in 1587, when Filipinos landed in California.
- In 2012, Asians became the largest immigrant community in the United States. And the fastest growing.
- Congress extended the Asian-Pacific Heritage celebration to a full month in 1990.
STOP ASIAN HATE.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a drastic increase in violence and discrimination against Asian Americans in the U.S. and abroad. The U.S. Senate recently passed with overwhelming bipartisan support a hate crimes bill to address this. We can do our part, too. Please reject bigotry and hate in all forms.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish people have played a huge role in America’s growth and success. Since first arriving in New Amsterdam more than 350 years ago, Jewish people have made and continue to make significant contributions to American culture, arts, science, government, civil rights and more. Many, like Albert Einstein and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, had to overcome adversity on the way to achievement. But ultimately the influence and contributions of the Jewish community are woven into our American culture and history.
AMERICA’S JEWISH WOMEN: A HISTORY FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO TODAY
In celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, Pamela Nadell, American University history professor and author, shares stories of a diverse group of extraordinary people.
VIEW AMERICA’S JEWISH WOMEN: A HISTORY FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO TODAY
HOW TO OBSERVE JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
1. Read up on Jewish Americans
There are tons upon tons of famous Jewish American figures. Einstein and Ginsburg are just two, and their contributions, while extremely significant, are just the tip of the iceberg. So go on and research more on iconic Jewish personalities, both living and dead.
2. Celebrate with your Jewish loved ones
There’s no better way to honor the day than spending it with those who are being celebrated. Make a day (or a month, in this case) out of it by spending time together, going to museums, reading about history, and listening to your friends’ and their families’ journey
3. Donate to Jewish organizations
You can donate to Jewish organizations to help them
achieve their goals. If you cannot donate, you can promote
them in your circles by mentioning them on your social
media accounts.
RANDOM FACTS:
- The 1986 animated film An American Tail offers an age appropriate story that introduces younger kids to the JewishAmerican immigrant experience.
- Bob Dylan, a notable Jewish American, was born Robert Allen Zimmerman. He experimented with an electric guitar once in 1965 and was booed off the stage by angry fans.
- In 1911, Procter and Gamble proclaimed, “the Hebrew Race had been waiting 4000 years for Crisco.” Crisco and similar products allowed Jewish people to adapt recipes for convenient cooking while maintaining kashrut.
- The Jewish population is the United States is approximately 7 million.
GATHER AROUND THE TABLE
Another way to celebrate Asian-Pacific American and Jewish American traditions is to experience the diverse culinary delights both cultures have to offer!
ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE DISHES
- ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH DISHES
- 10 ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER RECIPES TO TRY AS A FAMILY
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE DISHES
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE DISHES
Diversity & Inclusion Calendar
JANUARY
- International Holocaust Remembrance
- Poverty in America Awareness Month
FEBRUARY
- Black History Month
MARCH
- National Women’s History Month
APRIL
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Autism Awareness Month
MAY
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
JUNE
- LGBT Pride Month
- Juneteeth
JULY
- French American Heritage Month
AUGUST
- National Civility Month
SEPTEMBER
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Members
- Rodney Nubin, Chair Socius
- Artavia Clay Socius
- Eric DeRose Socius
- Rick Grimes Professional Risk Solutions
- Patrick Hanley Socius
- Hayley Philips Socius
- Eric Shapiro Socius
- Nichole Ward Socius